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Los Angeles Minke Whale Watching |
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 Southern California Minke Whale Description
Minke Whales is one of the rare whale populations on the planet that is blossoming. Because they are so plentiful, these whales are a frequent sighting during whale watching explorations around the world, including a Whale Watching tour in the Newport Beach area. Unlike most other baleen whales, Minke Whales are fairly small in size. On average, an adult Minke Whale will only grow between six to eight meters long and weigh 4 or 5 tons at the most. Historically, only a few Minke Whales have been documented as growing as large as 13 tons in weight. Another way to identify these whales is by their dark gray, almost black, skin color and white stomach area. Minke Whales will expose a great deal of their bodies when coming out of the water; specifically their entire dorsal fin, blow hole and most of their backs. They often swim at speeds of 13 to 15 miles per hour and can remain at deep levels underwater for 20 minutes.
Southern California Minke Whale Population
While the worldwide Minke Whale population is known to be abundant, exactly how much is still debated by many scholars. There is a general consensus, among experts worldwide, that the number is about 338,000. But other whaling industry leaders, particularly in Japan, argue that the population is as high as 900,000. As of now, the International Whaling Committee is collectively trying to determine a definitive count of Minke Whales.
Southern California Minke Whale Feeding Habits
As a “baleen” whale, the Minke Whale is born with what can best be described as a food filter, known as the “baleen”. In contrast to their large sizes, Minke Whales prey on relatively small fish like capelin, herring, as well as microscopic plankton. But in their attempts to catch these miniature meal choices, the large-mouthed Minke Whales unintentionally scoop in both copious amounts of water and other live creatures. Thus, Minke whales use their baleens to help to expel any unwanted elements from their mouths that they don't want to swallow. While seeming to be finicky eaters, Minke Whales will eat whatever is largely available in order to sustain themselves.
Southern California Minke Whale Migratory Patterns
MMinke Whales can live in almost every large-bodied ccean on the planet, but they do not like tropical environments. While there is much knowledge and debate about the population size of Minke Whales, there is relatively little documentation about their migratory patterns. All that is known, for now, is that Minke Whales typically migrate from Canada southwards into California
Newport Beach Whale Watching conducts whale and dolphin watching cruises seven days a week with tours at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. It is a good idea to arrive early as these cruises do fill up quickly. Tours usually last from two to two and a half hours. Ticket prices are as follows:
Individual Ticket Prices – Two Hour to 2 ½ Hour Cruise
Adults $30
Seniors (62 and over) $25
Children (11 and under) $18
Children (2 and under) FREE!
Ticket Prices for groups of 25 or more.
Adults $22
Seniors (62 and over) $18
Children (11 and under) $12
Children (2 and under) FREE!
You can order your tickets online by clicking the button, or calling 562-432-4900. If you have a discount coupon, please present it at the ticket booth.
We look forward to seeing you and continuing to make Newport Beach Whale Watching your choice for whale watching in southern California. We offer convenient parking and are located near many area attractions such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Lighthouse and Queen Mary as well as excellent shopping and restaurant so you can make a day of it. Whale watching is a wonderful experience regardless of age. We can’t wait to provide the best whale watching in southern California experience possible.
For more information on other Southern California Whales, please click on the link below:
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